Assisted Access Pass at Legoland
Assisted Access Pass at Legoland California
We are lucky to have several large amusement park close by us in Southern California, one of my daughters favorite is Legoland in Carlsbad. Having a child on the spectrum can make for a tough time at a place like this, luckily they have a system to help with the biggest issue most with Autism have....waiting in line! I will be sharing the parks system, how to make the most of it and what you can expect during your visit. Let me also add, many of these tips are great for those who don't have autism. First time visitors of the park can benefit too in regards to navigating the park and getting the most of your day with the "Tips" below.
The ticket booths during peak times (summer) can get long, no reason to start your day by waiting in a line right? Pack light and bring only what you need, there is a security check before entering the park. More on what you can and cannot bring into the park HERE.
Upon entering the park, go directly to your right to Membership Services and ask for the Assisted Access Pass. You will be asked what your child's limitations are and if the service is suited for your needs, you will be granted a pass . It will have your child's first name, the date visiting the park and for how many the pass is issued for in your party (normally issued for up to 5 people). From then on you will only need the card to board all rides.
So here's how it works:
When ready, go to the first ride you want. There a time will be placed on your card and you will be boarded.
The time on your card will be the time you can get on your next ride of choice. Once that time comes up you can go to any ride and the same procedure will be done.
You will enter via the rides exit or the Reserve and Ride entrance (which is like a fast pass line but this is normally only utilized during peak seasons)
The holder of the pass need not ride the attraction but must be present upon checking into the ride for a boarding time.
The pass does not eliminate waiting but makes waiting easier outside of the ride queues. I will say your wait times during the off season will be little to none.
You are allowed only one virtual ride return time at a time.
Take advantage of your virtual wait time by grabbing a bite to eat, watching a show or getting on another ride with a short line or snapping some fun pictures with the Lego statues all around the park. This will make your day not only a productive one but will keep your waiting to a bare minimum.
Tips for your visit:
If your child can still ride in a stroller, I highly recommend taking one and using it. Legoland has single or doubles available for rent if you need one. The park is very hilly and areas are spread out which can fatigue children faster. Using a stroller is a handy way to keep your kids out of the sun, comfortable and is a good way to carry all your belongings. They will also tag strollers as wheelchairs so you can go thru ride exit to be used in conjunction with the Assisted access pass.
Map out your visit, upon entering you can go right or left. If you are planning on visiting the aquarium (to the left of the park entrance), it's a great way to transition out of the park as it leads directly outside at the end of the tour.
Check the park guide for daily shows to plan accordingly.
If the weather is suitable and your kids are like mine and love water take an extra set of clothes. There is a boat build area in Mainland USA where you can build boat with legos and send them racing down the water. The waterparks inside Legoland are another option ( upgraded tickets required to enter).
If your child gets overwhelmed, let them play in the sand in the Dig Those Dinos area to the left of the entrance. Here they can sit in the sand, grab a bucket and shovel to dig and look for fossils under large shady trees.
Child wants to ride a specific ride car or color, let your requests be known, I find the ride operators are more than accommodating.
Download the Legoland APP. Finds, rides, dining, attraction wait times and so much more!
Hit the bigger rides first, Emmet’s Flying Adventure, Ninjago along with the Sealife Adventure attraction can get wait times over a hour during the peak season.
Have special diet needs and want to know what is available while visiting the park? Get the downloadable list of Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Egg Free foods HERE
Caregiver Ticket Policy: A Caregiver Ticket can be issued for free for those who have proper licensing to take care of a child. Parents are invalid for the caregiver ticket unless they have a caregiver license. Proof of Caregiver Licensing is under the discretion of the Guest Service window. and as there are many different ways to prove Caregiver status, the decision is made on site. As a recommendation, I would bring any sort of proof just in case if you are seeking this service. To make your visit the best it can possible be, make sure to pick up your free Assisted Access Pass at the Guest Service window.
We have been visiting Legoland for 6 years now. I love the slower pace the park offers, perfect for our spectrum kids offering many sensory outlets. Just know during the month of January they are not open Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as the first 2 Tuesdays and Wednesdays in February. See park calendar HERE for Sea Life and the Waterpark operating days and hours as well. Legoland is the most Autism friendly park I have found based on wait times, lines, crowds and willingness of ride operator with special requests.
Here is the BOGO free code for 2021.. Good online or at the ticket booth. Buy one adult ticket, get a kids tickets free. Use offer code 219903 when prompted HERE!